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BA launch new pet channel for passengers
Alfie the pug with BA crew Helena
Alfie the pug with BA crew Helena

Airline introduces 'Paws & Relax" - an in-flight entertainment channel featuring footage of cats and dogs

BA's new in-flight entertainment channel, dedicated to showing cute footage of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, is due to launch next month on British Airways' long-haul flights.

The airline hopes that the channel, entitled Paws & Relax, will provide entertaining footage, benefit pasengers' overall well-being and relaxation, and improve levels of concentration.

British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager, Richard D’Cruze, said: “It might sound barking, but there’s lots of research to suggest that watching pets can enhance overall wellbeing. We have sniffed out some fantastic content that is cute, comforting and sure to appeal to travellers of all ages.”

The channel is set to feature a number of popular cartoons, documentaries and television shows, including internet sensation Simon's Cat, The Secret Life of Cats and America's Cutest Dog.

British Airways has teamed up with experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for insight into the benefits of pet ownership. In a trailer to launch the channel, the airline features some of its pets looking for rehoming - including; Alfie the Pug, Sky the Siberian Husky, Angelica the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross and kittens Karma, Knight and Karis.

Laura Lambert responsible for rehoming & welfare at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said: “We know that people love watching dogs and cats. They can make you laugh, smile, and cry. They are wonderful companions when you're feeling anxious or just need a lift, and we believe that British Airways’ Paws & Relax channel will be the perfect way for passengers to sit back and relax.”

Paws & Relax can be found in the entertainment section of the airline’s in-flight library from September.

 Images courtesy of British Airways (C) Nick Morrish

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."